Forth of July Fireworks for Crowd-Lovers and Otherwise

Ah, 4th of July, the time of terrific fireworks and horrific traffic jams, is upon us once again. One thing I know for certain, Seattle denizens enjoy setting off fireworks displays. So much do we enjoy this ritual that every year at least three shows compete for our attention in the July sky. Last year, from a rooftop party in Magnolia I was able to catch the Gas Works Park display, the Elliot Bay display and the unofficial, but certainly equally prolific, West Seattle display.

If you are of courageous spirit and wish to make the 4th a full day celebration of sun worshipping (though, remember Seattle Summer does not officially begin till July 5th) picnicking and surreptitious beer guzzling, well then my friend, high tail it on down to Gas Works Park. Be sure to arrive early to carve out your territory, as you will be in the fine company of your many fellow enthusiasts and every patch of lawn will eventually be claimed as Gas Works is transformed into one large family-friendly party.

But, perhaps crowds are likely to send you into terror-induced coma? Not to worry, there are options for you as well. There are a number of local cruise lines that offer day-trips with fine views of landlubbers’ festivities. Victoria Clipper, and Argosy are two fine examples. Though some resourceful Seattleites even utilize our Washington Ferries to catch a glimpse.

Visit this handy site for a full listing of many of the Seattle area’s Independence Day festivities. If all else fails, I recommend simply crashing your neighbors BBQ, they are certain to welcome you if you go bearing cold drinks!

The Gorge at George

With summer knocking on our doors, outdoor activities again take on their magnetic appeal. What better way than by watching a concert out of doors will prove to the skeptics that the sunny season is taking root? And at this time of year Eastern Washington will offer even better chances of a sun-filled weekend. That is precisely what I chose to do with my Memorial weekend. My trusty cohorts and I schlepped on over to quaint George, Washington (yes, we had some very puny pioneer's in this state). George is home of the Gorge Amphitheater, a breezy three-hours-drive from Seattle on 1-90.

In my opinion, there is not a more glorious concert backdrop to be found in these parts. Imagine a vineyard set on a hillside westward looking over the Columbia Gorge. This vineyard was then converted to a large expanse of hardy lawn to accommodate 20,000 concertgoers and their picnics. Add to this picture the setting sun descending directly behind the giant outdoor stage; and you, my friend, have the perfect blend of Nature and Culture.

It is worthy to note that proper preparation will make an average trip into a nearly perfect one. I recommend that you arrive at the Gorge when the doors open, blanket in hand, and secure yourself seating on the still-terraced area near the bottom of the hill, you will thank yourself later!

Other outstanding outdoor concert venues in the area:

• Zoo Tunes: A family-friendly, picnic-style concert venue just up the street from Impinj and a great opportunity to see some wild animals while listening to your favorite artists like Etta James.
  
• Chateau Ste. Michelle: The premiere concert venue for the wine lover. Sample Chateau Ste. Michelle's selections of the season while relaxing on their picturesque estate near Woodinville.
  
• Marymoor Park: Another option for the Eastside located near Redmond and offering a wide spectrum of music; everything from INXS to Ani Franco.
  
• White River Amphitheater: This is a large-scale venue 35 miles south of Seattle, offering a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier and gigs like Ozzfest 2006.
  

Sunshine and Nudity on the Streets of Seattle

We are again in that most illuminated time of year: the solstice. And this year, like many before, the Fremont neighborhood has ushered in the longest day of the year with naked bicyclists. Well not just naked bicyclists, there were also naked skateboarders and wonder of wonders even a naked unicyclist…juggling no less. What were all these naked people doing you might ask? Why, they were escorting the Solstice Parade down through heart of Fremont of course.

I will share with you a little secret: I love parades. Truly. I know that they are often cheesy beyond belief, and most people will strenuously deny any fond-feeling, but I just can’t get enough of them – pride be damned. So, for me, who claims to be something of a connoisseur, the Fremont Solstice Parade is the parade to beat all parades. Here you find a wonderful vision of a parade: one that requires the announcer to hover above the crowd on 6-foot stilts, and includes the Sun Lovers Under Gray Skies, perhaps better known as the S.L.U.G.S., as well as the proud promenade of the regal, if diminutive, Prince Super Fantastic and Princess Sunshine, and yes, an ever growing contingency of beautifully painted naked bicyclists.

In this liberal-minded neighborhood of Seattle it is not surprising that more than one parade entry was making a stinging commentary on the Bush administration. And while I appreciate the value of this kind of activism, I have to say; my favorite floats are still the ones that are simply celebrating this, our lightest part of the year.

Following the parade, Fremont, the self-proclaimed Center of the Universe , really does seem to live up to it’s title as the streets become jammed with fair-goers vying for hastily prepared foodstuffs, handcrafts and a good long look at the art car collection. The cars especially should not be missed. This year the giant red high heel car and the giant red boxing glove car are still duking it out for the coveted title of “My Favorite”.

I would recommend anyone to check out the Fremont Fair, providing of course that you are neither terrified of crowds nor nudes.

Live Free or Die

Friday, I conquered SIFF! I am quite proud of myself, as I have long feared the serpentine lines of eager moviegoers that one can spot every year during the Seattle International Film Festival. But, this year was my year thanks to the generosity of a co-worker with free passes. And my goodness, I was certainly rewarded with our chosen film: Live Free or Die. It turns out that "Live Free or Die" not only inspires state pride in New Hampshire but also inspires fantastically funny movie making. This little gem flawlessly delivered my favorite kind of comedy: a film that takes itself seriously and is thus hilarious. I enjoyed this much in the same way that I enjoyed the everyday ridiculousness of Napoleon Dynamite. In Live Free, we follow the story of a young man trying desperately to blacken his name, so desperate to acquire a bad reputation and thus garner respect, our protagonist, John "Rugged" Rudgate, even goes so far as to take credit for crimes he wouldn't and couldn't commit. His dreams of hero-worship are realized when he finally finds someone who is perhaps more clueless than he: Lagrand.

The true brilliance of Live Free is found in the beautiful pairing of clever writing and excellent casting. A marvelous balance is struck between the two lead characters: Rugged, played by Aaron Stanford, is delightfully earnest which allows Paul Schneider’s equally sincere Lagrand to shine with all of his strange physical stances and stilting speech. In fact, in Lagrand we find a truly memorable comic role, from the first moment Paul Schneider stepped on film as Lagrand I was captured. Schneider’s previous roles in The Family Stone and Elizabethtown were dress rehearsals for Lagrand.

I strongly recommend Live Free or Die, however there is one hitch: they have not yet found a distributor for this little piece of brilliance. Hopefully, the logistics will soon be settled, surely winning a Jury Prize at the Seattle International Film Festival for best New American Cinema will only help speed the process. My congratulations go out to Live Free’s talented Writer/ Directors: Andy Robin and Gregg Kavet. Check out their movie Web Site for the latest and greatest.